Medical Lawyer Welcomes NHS Transparency Call

Leading medical law experts at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed the government’s new plans to improve levels of transparency within the NHS with a view to increasing patient safety.

The past few days have seen ministers outline their intention to bring about the “complete modernisation” of public services and make schools and hospitals more competitive, local and transparent.

According to Prime Minister David Cameron, the plan is to ensure the public know where funding is being budgeted on services, as well as the outcome of the spending.

Irwin Mitchell has regularly called for more transparency in the NHS in the past, after evidence has shown how some trusts continue to fail to manage data. Released at the end of 2010, the latest Dr Foster report showed this was particularly the case when it comes to information on serious untoward incidents.

Lisa Jordan, head of Medical Law and Patients’ Rights at the firm’s Birmingham office, said: “Data plays a vital role in the assessment of services and the failings shown by research such as the Dr Foster report highlight there is always scope for improvement.

“While the government’s plans to put more of a focus on transparency are undoubtedly welcome, it is important that improvements are seen in data recording which will ensure such proposals are a success.

“Patient safety must always come first with the NHS and the availability of vital information will ensure that lessons are learnt from errors, meaning the public will receive the best possible care.”

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